Content

The aim of this unit is to access in literary and other texts representations of physical and mental pain, suffering and sadness. In medical, legal, social, psychiatric and familial contexts the need to give expression to the extent and nature of pain and its attendant alienating effects is crucial. Significantly the inexpressible qualities of pain and sadness isolate its victims and cause a breakdown between those who wish to help and those who desperately require it. This unit will attempt to negotiate this 'inexpressible terrain' by identifying successful manifestations of expressed pain in works of fiction as well as factual narratives whether pathographies or related discursive writings. The aim is not merely to interpret these texts but rather to meet the challenge of finding a language that communicates, explicates and legitimises forms of illness in the eyes of both a hostile and/or fearful society and sceptical or ill-informed medical, legal and social-work practitioners.

Assessment

Assignment 1 - 2000 words 40%, Assignment 2 - 3000 words 60%

Unit Fee Information

Student Contribution Rate*

Student Contribution Rate**

Fee rate - Domestic Students

Fee rate - International students

$769

$769

$1916

$2900

* Rate for all CSP students, except for those who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010** Rate for CSP students who commenced Education and Nursing units pre 2010Please note: Unit fees listed do not apply to Deakin Prime students.